You do not have to hire a personal injury lawyer when pursuing a claim, but there are many reasons why not having one may not be such a good idea. In Texas, where insurance companies are particularly aggressive in defending claims and state laws can be complex, the decision becomes even more critical. For most people, misconceptions and the bad rap against lawyers are the main reasons they choose not to hire one.
If you are undecided and leaning towards not involving a lawyer, this guide looks into what you may expect if you are unrepresented and may be a worthy read before filing a claim. Consulting with a skilled personal injury attorney can help you understand the full scope of your legal options and potential compensation.
You Will Be the Underdog
Most personal injury lawsuits filed in Texas are against the insurer, and one thing with insurers is they only care about their profits. As such, they will do everything they can to get the upper hand, including having the best legal minds on their side.
If you approach such a case without a lawyer, you barely stand a chance at fair compensation. The insurer and their lawyers understand this and will leverage your naivety on legal matters to get the upper hand. They will even convince you not to get a lawyer, but it’s a trick, so do not fall for it.
You Are Bound To Make Mistakes
Trivial things to you can have a profound influence on the outcomes of your case. For example, sharing too much on social media is among the most common mistakes made by victims, and that has a significant impact on the outcome of a personal injury claim.
However, sharing information on social media is not the only mistake you need to avoid. Other mistakes include sharing information with the opposing side, missing deadlines, asking for too little or too much, and not knowing when to take or reject a deal.
You May Not Get What You Deserve
Being the underdog in a personal injury claim case and making mistakes always leads to poor outcomes. While having a lawyer does not mean getting what you want, it can mean getting what you deserve.
“A lawyer will always value a claim based on its facts, and the valuation will more often than not be realistic. So even when negotiating a deal or choosing to fight to trial, their decisions are fact-based, and the opposing side knows that,” says Texas injury lawyer Max Paderewski of Lone Star Injury Attorneys, PLLC.
The Statistics Speak for Themselves
Statistics show that involving a lawyer in a personal injury claim can improve a case outcome by up to five times, and you do not pay if they do not win your case, so you almost have nothing to lose by engaging one. According to the Insurance Research Council, individuals who hire attorneys for personal injury claims receive settlements that are 3.5 times larger on average than those who represent themselves, even after accounting for attorney fees.
What If I Am Satisfied With an Offer?
Sometimes, the at-fault insurer can offer to settle before you initiate a claim. If this is the case with you and you feel it’s fair enough, you may not need a lawyer. However, they rarely offer what a case is worth, and having a lawyer look into the deal can make a huge difference. More often than not, you may realize that you could get so much more compensation if you involve a lawyer, even when you factor in their legal fees.
The Value of Legal Consultation
So, even an enticing offer will need a lawyer to look into your case. You do not have to worry about the cost of consulting. Almost every Texas personal injury lawyer offers a free initial consultation, and it is enough to have a lawyer look into your case and estimate what your claim could be worth.
